Hart’s Hotel

A sleek, modern hotel on the ramparts of what remains of medieval Nottingham Castle, Hart’s is where your home is when you want to escape the bustling city. Built in 2003 to award-winning designs with the emphasis on sustainability, it owes its urban-chic interiors to Stefa Hart, who, with husband Tim, owns Hambleton Hall, Hambleton (see entry). Rooms range from classic doubles with a king- or super-king-size bed, to suites with a sitting room. Dog-friendly garden rooms have French doors to a furnished patio. All are painted in soft, neutral colours, with modern art prints. Generous extras include fresh milk, a minibar, spoiling toiletries, 24-hour room service. You can drink a ‘Hart of a Lion’ cocktail in the bar, dine in Hart’s Kitchen or alfresco on dishes such as pan-fried sea bass, hen of the woods, pea and leek purée; trio of salt-baked celeriac with goat’s curd, or artichoke salad with pine nuts, olive oil and truffle mayonnaise. At breakfast there is freshly squeezed orange juice, a fruit smoothie, the full English or veggie, with Windy Ridge Farm eggs and bread from the Hambleton Bakery.